441P - The efficacy of scalp-cooling system for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced hair loss in metastatic breast cancer patients treated with eribulin

Abstract

Background: Scalp cooling techniques have been applied to prevent or at least reduce chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) since the 1970s. I had the opportunity to exploit the computer-controlled chilled helmet-like silicon cap system (RV-01) and to apply it to more than 300 breast cancer patients in my breast clinic. Recently the effectiveness of scalp-cooling system has been announced in cases of adjuvant chemotherapy. This report may be the first with results about the efficacy of this device for the prevention of CIA for metastatic breast cancer patients treated with eribulin. Methods: The RV-01 employs a digitized system for controlled scalp cooling by an integrated refrigerator in a control unit, in turn connected with a soft and tight-fitting silicon cap. 20 patients with metastatic breast cancer in our clinic were recruited and evaluated for CIA with or without scalp cooling. Four months after commencing chemotherapy including eribulin, their CIA were classified by Dean's grade scale and NCI-CTS grade sale. 16 patients were treated using RV-01 and 4 patients without. Mean age of using RV-01 and without 53.9 (range 45-65) years and 65.0 (range 43-77) years old, respectively. Results: None of the 16 patients using RV-01 treated with regimens including eribulin ever used a wig. Hair loss in these patients ranged from G-0 to G-1 by NCI-CTC scale and G-0 to G-3 by Dean’s scale. Discomfort such as headache, being chilled, and scalp pain were also assessed but scalp cooling was very well tolerated. In our development, we elaborated the use of inner cap made by non-woven fabric which should be considered significantly comfortable with respect to other types of caps. Conclusions: In our experience, scalp hypothermia is one approach that can be used to prevent hair loss for metastatic breast cancer patients treated with eribulin in spite of previously undergoing other chemotherapy. This device is simple to use and enables continuous and stable maintenance of temperature on the scalp. Not only does RV-01 system promote QOL of patients as a safe tool for hair loss prevention in cancer treatment, but it may contribute to better treatment as well. Legal entity responsible for the study: Kato Breast Surgery Clinic. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: The author has declared no conflicts of interest.